The Rolling Stones heading back to studio

The Rolling Stones are heading into the studio later this month, guitarist Ronnie Wood has confirmed

The Rolling Stones are heading into the studio later this month.

Guitarist Ronnie Wood said the group - which also includes singer Sir Mick Jagger, lead guitarist Keith Richards and drummer Charlie Watts - will be meeting up to "throw some ideas around," ahead of a planned celebration of the group's 50th anniversary next year.

Talking about preparations for the band to play again, he said: "It's like working out for the Olympics or something. You've got to go into training. So we're going to go into training."

Keith has previously said the band are not likely to play any live dates in 2012, but could possibly be joined in the studio by original bass player Bill Wyman.

He said: "We're back in touch, which is great, because I hadn't really spoken to him for years."

When asked if Bill would rejoin the band, he added: "I think he's up for it. We talked about it. I'll let you know when I can."

Bill first sat in on practices held in London last December, his first since leaving the group in 1992.

Of that rehearsal, Keith said: "It was a very back-to-basics sort of session. There was a lot of jamming. On the third day, Mick turned up, which was a real joy."

The veteran band, featuring original members singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards, celebrates 50 years since its formation in London by playing its hits including Jumpin' Jack Flash and Brown Sugar.